Final answer:
A patient's unrelieved pain and increasing analgesic requirements must be reported to avoid respiratory depression, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by high doses of narcotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question is within the field of medicine, specifically relating to nursing and patient care with a focus on pain management and analgesic medication. When a patient's pain is not relieved and their requirement for analgesics increases, it must be reported to the primary provider to avoid complications. Among the choices provided, the correct answer is: a) Respiratory depression. High doses of analgesics, especially narcotics, can lead to respiratory depression, which is a potentially life-threatening condition where breathing becomes inadequate.
Analgesics like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by reducing the effects of prostaglandins, which can also sensitize nerves to pain. Prescription opioids can lead to several side effects such as respiratory depression, allergic reactions, cardiac complications, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk of respiratory depression is particularly concerning as opioids, in higher doses, can decrease the respiratory drive. Careful monitoring of a patient's response to opioids is crucial for their safety.